For some reason I forgot to register this when I acquired it, and I can't remember how or when it joined my TBR shelves.

I've enjoyed several modern day mysteries by this author and was surprised to find this one set in 1721 and centred around the South Sea Bubble scandal. There is an extensive list of named characters at the back of the book, both fictional and real historical characters and a map of the journey taken by the penniless mapmaker William Spandrel, the main character. There is also a very informative glossary at the back explaining some of the places, people and events included in the book. I encourage readers to refer to these appendices often during the story.
I'm afraid my knowledge of the South Sea Bubble was very poor, so was happy to learn much more about it as well as enjoying the adventures of Spandrel, with all it's twists and turns.

Gone to Nu-Knees, for her to read...or not, and set free.

Thank you very much, bluenoser! I love it when the postman rings the bell with a book parcel - and a three-book parcel is extremely exciting! Two of them were by this author I've not read before, so thank you for the opportunity to try someone new, much appreciated!

A complicated tale of:
Death and destruction - you no sooner get used to having a character around, than he's murdered, almost before you can remember his name ....
And deceit and double-dealing - basically, don't trust anyone and don't believe a word anyone tells you ....
And political chicanery, bribery and corruption in high places - there's not one of them you'd want to vote for ....
And all sorts of topics from History lessons take centre stage - like the South Sea Bubble, which I never understood and still don't, and Jacobites and such like ....
And it's a good idea to be familiar with European Geography - not one of my strongest subjects at school ....
Great fun - but you do need to keep your wits about you!
Thanks again, bluenoser!

Today is International BookCrossing Day!

To mark this special occasion I released nine books at the Bank Holiday Monday Tea Dance!

Over two million people around the world give their books a unique BookCrossing IDentity number (BCID) before sending them out to find new readers. Since the start of the scheme in April 2001 more than ten million such books have been put into circulation. This is one of them!

Our hope is that we can track the progress of our books once they've left our hands - and that's possible if finders like you visit the website, key in the BCID and leave a comment, however long or short. It's fun, it doesn't cost anything and you can remain anonymous if you wish. You don't have to join but if you do you'll be able to number and track your own books!

Really liked this book. Every chapter ends with a cliff-hanger and the plot twists and turns with many surprises.
It has a basis in historical fact and sheds light on the Great South Sea Bubble which was one of the scandals of the Victorian age.
It benefits from a second reading as the characters really come to life and the subtle cues in the plot are easier to spot.